★★★★☆
Voicemails for Isabella is a reminder of why the romantic comedy used to be a staple of the Hollywood ecosystem.
Romantic comedies have become one of the genres critics are quickest to tear apart for their predictable three-act structure, complete with clichés so familiar you can practically set your watch to them. Their predictability is often viewed as their biggest flaw.
Voicemails for Isabella is no exception in that regard. The narrative is very much predictable in the sense that it follows the traditional three-act structure.
Although, I would argue that’s the point of the romantic comedy. Familiarity and predictability are part of its appeal. Its job is not to reinvent the wheel, but simply to offer a new set of tires compatible with the wheels we already have—a fun, smooth ride on a journey we’re already familiar with.
“Its job is not to reinvent the wheel, but simply to offer a new set of tires compatible with the wheels we already have—a fun, smooth ride on a journey we’re already familiar with.”
Leah McKendrick not only delivers that with Voicemails for Isabella, but also fills the film with dialogue that is sharp, witty, and grounded.
Jill’s character is not only the centerpiece of the film, but the reason it works as well as it does—and why it feels as refreshing as it is.
She is grounded, genuine, laid-back, and hilarious without ever trying to be. That’s because she’s not a character searching for Prince Charming or true love, but someone trying to mourn the loss of her little sister.
McKendrick’s script finds its brilliance not in following the three-act structure romantic comedies are known for, but in allowing that familiar framework to become something different.
At its core, the film is much more a story about grieving loss and finding a way to move forward than it is a quirky romantic comedy.
“At its core, the film is much more a story about grieving loss and finding a way to move forward than it is a quirky romantic comedy.”
It falls closer to the range of Sleepless in Seattle or When Harry Met Sally… than All About Steve or The Lost City.
McKendrick’s vision behind the camera is clear and vivid throughout. The direction remains consistent, and the focus is locked in so tightly that it actually creates the film’s one notable pacing issue.
The most fun, insightful, and heartfelt moments are shared between Jill and Izzy. Arguably, many of the film’s best scenes happen before Jill even meets Wes.
That doesn’t change the narrative. It simply showcases where the true focus of the story lies—which, in true Netflix fashion, is eventually told directly to the audience for those who might not have been paying attention. It creates one of the more questionable moments in the film.
Now, the script, like the film itself, isn’t flawless. There are moments that don’t quite work and others that succeed more by default than by design.
Fortunately, those moments are rare and few, and they’re largely masked by a level of technical execution far superior to what one might expect from a straight-to-streaming release.
Julia Swain’s cinematography is spot-on throughout. The shots are crisp and well framed, and Swain executes McKendrick’s vision beautifully by using the camera as an element of storytelling.
When Jill and Wes first meet, the way Swain creates that quintessential movie-magic romantic-comedy moment allows it to feel both sincere and satirical without making the satire overly obvious.
Izzy’s memorial scene is beautifully shot, allowing the camera not only to elevate Zoey Deutch’s already brilliant and underrated performance, but also to create emotional weight through tight, claustrophobic framing that makes it feel as though the world is closing in around her.
Accompanied by a pitch-perfect score from Este Haim and Amanda Yamate, the early scenes are elevated beautifully, capturing the essence of Jill and Izzy’s bond swiftly and effectively.
Although, it goes without saying that Zoey Deutch carries the film simply by embodying Jill so fully, deeply, and authentically.
“Zoey Deutch proves once again why she’s one of the most underrated and talented actors of her generation.”
Her performance stands out, stealing every scene and commanding the screen.
Whether embracing the lighthearted moments, the dance sequences, and the playful monologues, or delivering gut-wrenching emotion during the viewing scene and several other key moments, Deutch proves once again why she’s one of the most underrated and talented actors of her generation.
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